DTE is looking to revitalize a small part of downtown Detroit

The utility recently bought the old art deco building, that at one time belonged to the Salvation Army, near its downtown headquarters. DTE also purchased a nearby vacant lot.

Randi Berris is a DTE spokeswoman. She says the utility wants to renovate the building and turn the lot into a park. Berris says the intent is to complement other recent efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit.

“Our neighborhood backs up to that neighborhood,” says Berris, “So we want to see the whole area revitalized. To make it a great place for our employees to live, play and work, as well as for others to come down to our part of downtown too to have a great experience.”

Berris says DTE wants to create a ‘gathering spot’ similar to Campus Martius.